news le t te rSpring 2013

A Quarterly Update On Family Service Of The Piedmont, Inc.

Finding a Better Life

Akech has lived a life filled with faith, hope and victory. As a loving mother of three boys, two ofwhom have special needs, Akech longed for a betterlife for herself and her children. She suffered in anabusive marriage which was strained by differingfaith beliefs and substance abuse. Since coming toFamily Service of the Piedmont, Akech has evolvedfrom a victim into a survivor.

Akech lived as a submissive wife to a husband whowas controlling and abusive. He would intimidateher and threatened to take their kids away if she didnot abide by his rules. Their relationship becamemore strained when Akech found her faith andadopted different religious beliefs than her husband.

Still, Akech tried to make the marriage work, for thesake of the children.

One day, while Akech was away, her husband wasinebriated and failed to supervise the children. TheDepartment of Social Services (DSS) was called inand the children were at risk of being removed fromthe home. It was then that Akech knew she had toleave.

“I was so worried and confused,” Akech says. “Somuch had happened. But no matter how hardthings got, I kept my faith and I never lost hope.”DSS referred Akech to Family Service, and she foundrefuge at the agency’s domestic violence shelter, Carpenter House.

The volatile living environment had taken its toll onAkech’s children. All were developmentally behind.The team at Family Service directed Akech to variouscommunity resources that could help her childrenthrive. They were placed in specialized daycares, andthe entire family received in-home therapy throughFamily Service’s Healthy Start program.

Family Service Supports Child Abuse PreventionApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, atime to focus on encouraging the social and emotionalwell-being of children. Awareness and abuse preventionplay an important role in helping families find thestrength they need to raise educated, safe and healthychildren.

Many families face issues that make parenting morechallenging. When a family is in crisis the potential for child abuse or neglect is much higher, and the Department of Social Services or law enforcement maybecome involved. Oftentimes, this will result in thefamily being referred to Family Service of the Piedmont’sFamily Support Services. These are programs designedto strengthen families, and keep them together.

To highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month and theimportance of raising awareness, Family Service collaborated with other local agencies to create “Pinwheels for Prevention” gardens throughout thecommunity, such as the one pictured outside the

Greensboro Science Center.  Blue pinwheels, a symbol ofchild abuse prevention, were arranged in the shape of a sunto represent a bright future.  Family Service representativeswere on hand to educate visitors about child abuse pre-vention, and the agency’s Family Support programs.

Meanwhile, Family Service’s Fairview Family ResourceCenter in High Point hosted its annual National ChildAbuse Prevention Month event. For the second year ina row, Premier Federal Credit Union helped sponsor

Continued on page 5

inside:2On the Frontline: Harry Suggs, Substance Abuse Counselor

3High Point Oyster Roast turns 19

4Greensboro Guild’s BIG HAIR Ball

5Leadership Profile: Pete Callahan

6Helping Hands

7Empowering Women to Live Well

Continued on page 5

family service of the piedmont inc.2

Family Service of the Piedmont, Inc.

2012-2013Board of Directors

Family Service of Greensboro Foundation, Inc.

2012-2013Board of Trustees

Family Service of High Point Foundation, Inc.

2012-2013Board of Trustees

Message from the President Spring is here, and at FamilyService of the Piedmontthat means a calendarpacked with special events.April is designated bothChild Abuse PreventionMonth (see story on frontpage) and Sexual AssaultAwareness Month. Staffin our Victim Services andFamily Support Services divisions are active in the

community promoting awareness of these issues and thevarious programs we provide to address them.

Our volunteer-led fundraisers also spring into action atthis time of year. The Guild in Greensboro kicked offthe season with a brand new event, the fabulous BIGHAIR Ball (see story on page 4). Their inaugural eventwas great fun and very effective at raising money andawareness of Family Service in Greensboro. The HighPoint Oyster Roast, meanwhile, has become an established date on the social calendar of that city. It’shard to believe that next year we will celebrate the 20thanniversary of this outstanding event. Far from growingstale in all that time, this year’s Oyster Roast was ourbiggest and brightest ever (see story on opposite page).Look for our next newsletter to read about the 10th Anniversary Greensboro Oyster Roast, and join us thisAugust 10th for the return of the popular JamestownPig Pickin’ (see back page).

Family Service is immensely grateful to all the dedicatedvolunteers, sponsors, and contributors who make theseevents possible. Community-based fundraising is becoming ever more important to our agency, as wecontinue to meet the twin challenges of increased needfor our services coupled with the drying up of importantrevenue streams. We recently learned that next year a

number of our grants and contracts will not be renewed,which this year helped fund services for abused childrenas well as programs that help prevent child abuse andneglect. In total, this lost funding amounts to $183,000.This cut in funding was not unexpected; it is indicativeof an overall trend (which we expect will continue) ofreduced funding for social programs that serve victimsof abuse and at-risk children.

The future of healthcare as a whole, and of mentalhealthcare funding particularly, is also faced with uncertainty. The landscape of behavioral health servicesis constantly changing, and we must be prepared toadapt quickly to whatever may come. This coming year,we will begin developing our new Strategic Plan to guideus through the uncertainty of the immediate future.Funding will continue to be a challenge, but I believewe are well equipped as an agency to figure out the bestway to succeed.  We have the strongest leadership teamever, a staff that is mission driven with a positive, can-doattitude, three boards that are diligent and engaged, anda community of volunteers including our amazingGuilds in Greensboro and High Point, who understandthe importance of the work we do.

Finally, there are people like you who contribute so generously to our agency, either through our springfundraisers or in other manifold ways (see HelpingHands on page 6). The fact is that as funding challengescontinue, we rely more and more on the support of individuals, groups and businesses in High Point,Jamestown and Greensboro. I can only say Thank Youand pledge that Family Service of the Piedmont will remain a good steward of your generosity, by continuingto provide high quality services, with sound fiscal oversight, that strengthen our community by helpingthose whose future is most uncertain to restore hope,achieve stability, and thrive.

On The Frontline: Harry Suggs

Harry Suggs gives a simple summary of thework he does at Family Service, helpingclients to overcome substance addiction:“It’s saving lives,” he says. “Substance abusereally is a brain disease. It is a sickness thatcan not only kill a person but destroys families and ruins lives in the process.”

The impact on the greater community is alsosignificant. Substance abusers engaged intreatment are more likely to remain in theirhome environment, maintain employment,and provide for their families. Clients whorecover from addictive disorders can onceagain participate positively in their community.

Meeting with a Substance Abuse Counselorlike Harry is often the first exposure to treatment for addicts, and the first step inbecoming drug-free. In some cases, substanceabuse counseling may be court ordered, and treatment may help clients avoid jail, oreven allow them to have charges dropped.Clients may also self-refer by setting up anappointment, or simply walk in for services.At Family Service, treatment is providedthrough individual, group, and family counseling.

“No two days are alike,” Harry says. “Thisposition requires a lot of administrative duties, getting clients approved for payment,as well as the clinical aspect of supplying

Harry Suggs, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Born/Grew Up: Baltimore, MD/Greenville, NC

Education: Bachelors in Psychology, Shaw University; Masters of Adult Education, NC A&T;Certified Nursing Assistant; CSAC-Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with the NCSAPPB

Family: Middle child with 2 brothers and 2 sisters; Named after Father

Hobbies: Active member of East White OakBaptist Church; loves jazz & gospel music;enjoys watching movies and would love to learnto play the piano.

Continued on page 7

Pete Callahan, Board ChairDavid Thompson, Vice Chair

Rudy Clark, Jr., TreasurerGwen Willis, Secretary

Pete Cross, Immediate Past ChairTom Campbell, President/CEO

Vicki AlstonKim Bauman

Stan BelkBrack Brigman

Lynn BlackLandon Cobb

Kimberly CrewsKathy Dick

Kenneth Free, Jr.Robert HagerAnne OsborneCathy Procton

George RagsdaleScott TilleyJim Wehrley

Mark L. Williamson

Stan Belk, ChairCathy Procton, Vice Chair

Alyce Hill, TreasurerDeena Qubein Samuel, Secretary

Pam Greene, Immediate Past ChairTom Campbell, President/CEO

Beachy AllenNancy AmosJulie Andrews

Stephanie BogerRobert Boles

Matthew CochraneTyler Covington

Mary Eliza Duckett

Elizabeth FinchLisa GilliamJeff Horney

Allen JohnsonSteve KimseyDavid Moore

Kerie Beth ScottDouglas Witcher

Anne Osborne, ChairLynn Black, Vice Chair

Carolyn Walters, TreasurerRon Johnson, Secretary

Carla Robinson, Guild PresidentTom Campbell, President/CEO

Cyenthia BarkerStephanie Billings

Nancy BrennerDaniel CraftTina Forsberg

Beth HarringtonDaniela HelmsKim KetchumRobert Ketner

Phyllis LancasterThais Lewis

Debby ReynoldsClay Smith

Leigh SudbrinkMary ThackerLeslye TuckJames Weeks

Patricia Whitfield

Christon Halkiotis, Junior League Liaison

newsletter spring 2013 3

The 2013 High Point Oyster Roast, presented fora second year by Smart Choice, continued to buildon past success and break previous fundraising andattendance records.  A crowd of more than 575people filled the lawn at the home of Katherine andNed Covington. The 19th annual event, co-chairedby Nancy Amos and Beachy Allen, raised$130,850 to support Family Service's programs inHigh Point.

Guests enjoyedoysters and abuffet from Pepper Moon Catering, withbeverages donated by Katie andPaul Riggan of Blue GroupRestaurants. Upbeat music byTin Can Alley was sponsored by

Southern Roots Restaurant. The rustic, beach themed event designand décor was made possible with the help of Paper & Party Place.

“It was a fabulous evening,” Allen enthused. “After following the dynamic trailblazing Chairs from last year, we were thrilled to haveawesome Sponsor and HostCommittees, a creative Decorations Committee, and agenerous and compassionatecommunity of people.” Allenparticularly wanted to thankthe Covingtons whose homeserved as the perfect backdropto the evening.

“This was a true collaborative effort,” agreed Amos. “Wewere very grateful to have so much community response,as well as an amazing group of volunteers who workedtirelessly to execute every detail to perfection.” 172 couples and individuals from the High Point communitysupported the event as Hosts, along with 53 Sponsors(listed below).

The Oyster Roastcommittee included LinAmos, Julie Andrews,

Stephanie Beaver, Stan Belk,Anne Bills, Hunter Burris,Christine Clodfelter,MooMoo Councill, Meredith Covington, Tyler Covington, CarolineCuller, Nicole Culler, Frosty Culp, Donna Cumby, Mary Darby,Mary Eliza Duckett, Lore Fariss, Elizabeth Finch, Lisa Gilliam, AlyceHill, Linda Ilderton, Allen Johnson, Mary Keever, Lee Kemp, Margaret Lewis, Carroll Ann Miller, Kay Miller, Cathy Procton, Katie Riggan, Deena Qubein Samuel,Kerie Beth Scott, Heather Singer, JeannéThorn, Donna Tucker, and Leigh Wagner.

Family Service would also like to thank thenumerous sponsors for the role they played inmaking this the biggest and most successfulHigh Point Oyster Roast to date. We areexcited to see what the community in HighPoint will produce next year, for the 20thAnniversary of this amazing event!

Smart Choice Presents another Outstanding Oyster Roast in High Point

Bronze SponsorsBeachy and Dan Allen

Allergy and Asthma Center NC,Drs. Bardelas, Kozlow, Hicks Bhatti

Nancy and Lin AmosBank of North CarolinaDeane and Stan BelkBraxton Culler, Inc.

Colonial, LLC

Helen and David CongdonCornerstone Healthcare

Crescent FordPat and Pete Cross

Culp, Inc.D. Thomas and Associates

Davis FurnitureMary Eliza and Chip Duckett

Elizabeth and Sandy FinchLouise and John Foster

Furnitureland SouthGrassy Knoll/Alan Ferguson

and AssociatesGreenhouse Fabrics

Harriss and Covington Hosiery MillsHendrix Barney & Company CPA’s

High Point Jewelers and Fine GiftsMcDonald’s of High Point

Mickey Truck BodiesCarroll Ann and Jeff Miller

North State CommunicationsSallie PhillipsCathy Procton

Mariana and Nido Qubein

Kathy and Steve RohrbeckSimon Jewelers

Thayer Coggin, Inc. Triad Eye Associates

Vann York Auto Group

Silver Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors

BB&TBuchanan Printing & Graphics, Inc.

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Grand Rental StationHigh Point Bank

High Point Regional Health System

Ilderton Dodge Chrysler JeepThe Lenny Peters Foundation

Matthews Mobile Media

Rena and Mark NorcrossRalph Lauren Corporation

Pepper Moon CateringSolstas Lab Partners

Wells Fargo

Emilee and Brack BrigmanWhitney and Bill Heard

family service of the piedmont inc.4

The Guild and Junior Guild of Family Service ofGreensboro brought fashion flare to Greensborowith the introduction of their newest event, theBIG HAIR Ball with an Edgy Fashion Focus.The inaugural extravaganza on January 26th waspresented by LF USA and featured an array ofeye-catching dress designs and out-of-this-worldhair creations. Event chairs Sarah Doggett,Magz King and Frances Vinoski worked manymonths to conceive, plan and execute the fun-filled fashion show, which raised more than$39,000

to support programs of Family Serviceof the Piedmont in Greensboro.

Twenty-one models provided spectacular entertainment for thecrowd of more than 400 at the RegencyRoom in downtown Greensboro.

StudentsinUNCG’SConsumer Apparel & Retail Studies programand professional designers with LF USA createdthe fashions. Each model’s outfit was inspired bythe corporate sponsor they were associated with.

“The event was a success on so many levels because of the work done by the event's partners,Guild and sponsor volunteers, and the support ofthe membership and community,” said Guild

President Carla Robinson. “We were fortunateto have LF USA as our presenting sponsor,Vanessa Carroll as our honorary chair and themodel sponsors that enabled us to create aunique event that was different than anythingGreensboro has ever seen.”

Robinson also recognized Junior Guild ChairsClaire Burns, Ellie Holleman and ChandlerKing, the outstanding committee of Guild andJunior Guild members, and the talented event

partnerswho spenthundreds of hours planning and executing the designs. Community collaborators included stunning hair stylescreated by LEON’s Style Salons and Indigo The Salon, Main & Taylordesigner shoe boutique and Buff NaturalNail Bar.

WFMY News 2's Tanya Rivera and Deidre James withRock 92 Radio kept up the excitement on the catwalk by serving as emcees. Albion Associatescreated an amazing video which captured theuniqueness and excitement the event had to offer.Video and photos can be viewed on the Guild’swebpage: www.guildfsgso.org or the Big HairBall Facebook Page: Facebook.com/BigHairBallGso

Guild of Greensboro Introduces the BIG HAIR Ball

Pret-a-PorterJill AuslanderKirt R. AustinNancy BogardKay Cashion

Valerie ClasbyDebbie Faircloth

Brenda MacfaddenDorry Tooke

Cashmere Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor Cat-Walk Sponsors Model SponsorsBuckhead BettiesCarruthers & Roth

DMJThe Farmer’s Wife

Albion AssociatesThe Carroll Companies

Elm Street CenterGreat Stops

Financial NetworkFink’s JewelersHigh Point Bank

Mercedes-Benz of Greensboro

Samet CorporationVillage at North ElmUnited Healthcare

The Contemporary Lady Ron Johnson Premier Federal Credit Union Carla & Stephen Robinson Southern Engraving CompanySilk SponsorAnonymous

Velvet SponsorsBarry Carpenter, Old North State Trust

First Citizens Bank & Cyenthia Nunn BarkerJudy Frederick

Brad & Kim HayesMary & Rodney Ingram

Magz & Bob KingMain & Taylor *Shoes*Bags*More

Ann Ruth CakesClay Smith

Elizabeth & Paul StephensTanger Outlets

Frances & Chuck Vinoski

Haute CoutureLorraine & Michael Bacon

Lynn & John BlackCarol & Jason Bohrer

Pat & Ken BrooksLisa & Willie BullockKathy & Fred Burke

Elizabeth & Patrick BurnsLeah & David Edgerton

Sarah Doggett & Peter EvensonPeggy & Marion Follin

Tina & Daniel ForsbergFurnishings 411

Olivia & Len GillespieCyndy & Rick HayworthDaniela & Rob Helms

Hobbs-Turner DentistryFay & Mike Hoggard

Kim & Worth HollemanDr. Carswell Jackson

Kraska Center for

General & Cosmetic DentistryAndrea & Ralph Knupp

Drs. Rebekah & Mike MangoAnne & Pete Osborne

Palmetto Equity Group, Inc.Debby Reynolds

Carla & Stephen RobinsonLeigh & Carl Seager

Leigh & Craig SudbrinkEllen & Dr. Sigmund Tannenbaum

newsletter spring 2013 5Leadership Profile: Pete Callahan

“Family Service of the Piedmont transformedmy life,” Akech says. “As a mother, I justwanted what was best for my children. Itwasn’t until coming to Family Service that Igained the confidence to go out on my ownand put myself and my children first. It wasthe best decision I could have made.”

With hard work and the help she received at Family Service, Akech found freedom, self-sufficiency and success. She was able topurchase her own vehicle, is living in her ownapartment, and is better able to care for herchildren’s special needs.

Healthy Start Case Manager Lisa Cecil-Glennrecognizes the remarkable improvementAkech has made. “It’s amazing to see whereshe started and where she is now,” Cecil-Glennsays. “We have been able to help her establisha schedule for the kids and make the necessarychanges to handle their needs. We are soproud to see the children improving. It was ateam effort from shelter and Healthy Startstaff. We are all thrilled to see Akech beingthe best mother she can be.”

the event by donating and serving a delightfulhotdog supper. Family Service was joined byother local agencies at the Southside RecreationCenter, with booths providing helpful information to local residents.

This year’stheme, “IBloomWhen…,” focusedon howchildrenthrivewhenthey livein a loving, safe and healthy environment.  Localchildren gave examples such as, “I bloomwhen… you play games with me,” “…you are pa-tient with me,”“…you help me with homework,”and “…you tell me that you’re proud of me.”

Finding a Better Life

Child Abuse Prevention

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Pete Callahan graduated from UNCChapel Hill in 1982 with a degree inBusiness Administration. He moved toHigh Point where he is employed withWells Fargo. “I have been very fortunateto continue to live in High Point whiletaking on additional responsibilities at thebank,” he says.

Callahan was introduced to Family Servicewhile working with the High PointUnited Way almost 20 years ago. “I wasvery impressed with quality of the servicesoffered by the agency,” he remembers.

Both Callahan and his wife were very fortunate to grow up in close knit families,he says. “We raised two children and hopeone day to have grandchildren. Family isvery important to me.” For this reason,Callahan says it’s not hard to be passionateabout Family Service as an agency: “FamilyService helps struggling families get backon their feet through a wide variety of veryvaluable services.”

Since Wells Fargo is the largest mortgagelender in the country, issues of homeownership addressed by the agency’sConsumer Credit Counseling Service division (CCCS) are close to Callahan’sheart. “It’s important to me and to ourcompany to keep struggling families intheir homes whenever we can,” he says.“CCCS has been able to help over 400 areafamilies avoid foreclosure through theirMortgage Preservation Program in the lastyear. It’s really been a great program forhomeowners who have lost a job throughno fault of their own.”

Callahan served on the Family Service of the Piedmont Board throughout the economic downturn of recent years. Henotes how Family Service was not immuneto the revenue challenges that were impacting many non-profit agencies at thetime. “Government funding, grants andprivate donations were all under pressurewhile demand for our services was rising,”he says. “We had to roll up our sleeves anddetermine how we could sustain our coreservices while managing our expenses andcash flow.”

Through a lot of hard work from staff andkey volunteers, Callahan says, Family Service is now on firm financial footing. Heis confident about the agency’s prospectsbut warns, “We can’t rest on our laurels because we are concerned that governmentfunding for certain programs could be negatively impacted in the future.”

Pete CallahanFamily Service of the Piedmont BoardChair

Born: Hartford, CT; grew up in Winston-Salem

Lived in High Point since: 1982.

Job title: Regional Vice President forthe Piedmont Triad Region, WellsFargo Commercial Banking

Family: Wife, Vicki; and two children,Ryan, 24 and Meghan, 22

Other community involvement:Greensboro United Way CampaignChairman starting July 1, 2013; ViceChair Guilford Merchants Association;High Point University Parents Council

family service of the piedmont inc.6

The Women’s Charity League inGreensboro held ashower for ClaraHouse in February.Members donatedhousehold cleaning

and paper products for residents leaving theshelter to use in their new homes. TheLeague also donated $500 to support shelterservices.

For the second year in a row, Ike Mangowanted to make hisbirthday an opportunityfor community service.In lieu of presents, Ikeasked his friends andfamily for educationaltoys to be used by in theClara House playroom,and other children’s programs at Family Service.

The Southwest Guilford High School FiberArts Club madea donation tosupport HighPoint’s domesticviolence shelterCarpenterHouse. Club

members raised funds by selling knitted, crocheted and sewed items to their fellow students. The group also donated tote bags for shelter residents.

Local songwriters and musicians joined together atThe Somewhere Else Tavern in Greensboro toraise funds to support victimsof domestic violence. Theproceeds collected were donated to Family Service’sClara House to help abusevictims who are in need ofsupport and resources.

The Greater Greensboro RepublicanWomen’s Club participated in Family Service’s Change-ing Lives baby bottlefundraiser this spring. The group raised more

than $550 tosupport victimsof abuse inGreensboro. Arepresentativefrom FamilyService

addressed the group to raise awareness of services offered by the agency throughout the community.

The Guild of Family Service of Greensborooffered thanks for hard work in a difficultfield by donating cookies to staff at the Department of Social Services. The Guild’ssweet gesture reminds us how Family Serviceand community partners rely on each other to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The Residence Hall Association at the University of North Carolina at Greensboroheld a Valentine’s Day fundraising event inwhich they sold cans of Crush soda. Studentsdonated a dollar and in return, their “crush”would receive a can of the soda along with anote from their admirer. Proceeds went tosupport Clara House and victims of domesticviolence.

A group of Guilford Metro 911 Dispatchersdonated toiletries anddiapers to support residents of ClaraHouse shelter. Thefour squad effort wasdirected by Wesley Reid.

Lolita Henley, a clinical documentation specialist at Wesley Long Hospital, was oneof 12 “goldenticket” winners ata recent ConeHealth employeeevent. The ticketwinners received$1,000 to donateto a community organization of their choice.Lolita put her money to use by helping to upgrade the security system at Clara House.Lolita didn’t stop there; she also led a campaignto collect old cell phones from fellow employees, friends and others to be used as“safe phones” for domestic violence victims.

Helping HandsUnited Healthcare’s Network ManagementDepartment of the Carolinas donated a varietyof hygiene products for Clara House. Atevery monthly meeting, the department teamparticipates in a community service project.

6th Grade Girl Scouts from Mendenhall,Canterbury and Kernodle Middle Schools,along with The Junior Guild of Family Service of Greensboro, hosted a 6th GradeDance to benefit Family Service’s HealthyStart program for new moms. Around 506th Gradersattended thedance atGuilfordPark PresbyterianChurch andcollectedmuch-needed items for Healthy Start includingdiapers, wipes, sippy cups, and baby toys.

Westchester Veterinary Hospital offered theirsupport by fostering and providing shelter tofour service pets belonging to a family residingat Family Service’s domestic violence shelter.Dr. Yates and the veterinary staff did not hesitate

to offer assistance,taking the pets inwhile the family wasreceiving shelter services. Thank youfor your kindness inhelping this family intheir time of need!

Rotary District 7690 held a conference projectin support of Family Service of the Piedmont’sdomestic violence shelters. The district, madeup of 52 rotaryclubs, donated a variety of hygiene products, haircare items, diapers andmuch more. Pictured left to right: LindaSnider (her spouse Rick Snider serves as Rotary District 7690 Governor); Cindi Hewitt(President of Summit Rotary Club) and JulieLongmire (United Way Representative andfellow Rotarian.)

newsletter spring 2013 7A Great Year for Greensboro Guild

The Guild of FamilyService of Greensboroheld a casual meet andgreat lunch February 21stat the home of CharisseKleinman. The gatheringwas hosted by Kleinman,Carol Bohrer and LeighSudbrink, and welcomed46 Guild members andtheir guests. Maggie Jimenez, Owner/Educator ofMaggie’s Music Studio, delivered a presentationfocusing on the importance of music for a child’sdevelopment. Frank Auman wowed the groupwith his piano playing and singing tunes fromSesame Street, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel and others.Attendees donated a generous assortment of toys,games, blankets, stuffed animals and children’sbooks to Family Service’s Healthy Start programto encourage productive and stimulating familyplay time. 

On May 15th, the Guild and Junior Guild ofGreensboro held their AnnualMeeting to celebrate the successesof the 2012-2013 year. Over 100members and guests gathered topay tribute to outgoing Guild President Carla Robinson andJunior Guild President Sarah Jessup,and to welcome the incomingGuild and Junior Guild officers.

Robinson presented a check representingproceeds from the Guild’s many fundraisingevents, totaling more than $82,300.

Past President Clay Smith presented theGuild’s annual awards including a new Futurity Award to Frances Vinoski inrecognition of her achievements as a newmember this year, especially as Co-Chair ofthe First Annual BIG HAIR Ball (see story

on page 4). The Spirit of the Guild Award went to Andrea Knupp for sterling work as VolunteerCoordinator. Mojgan Jordan received the Presi-dent’s Award to recognize her leadership of thephenomenally successful Greensboro OysterRoast. Magz King presented the Spirit of the Junior Guild Award to Claire Burns, acknowledging her passion and commitment tothe group. The Leadership Award went to SarahJessup for demonstrating exemplary leadershipduring her term as Junior Guild President.

Finally, the 2013-2014 slate of officers was swornin, including incomingGuild President CyenthiaBarker and Junior GuildPresident Claire Burns.Family Service of the Piedmont congratulatesthe Guild and JuniorGuild on another outstanding year!

Open House Empowers, Educates Women

Harry SuggsContinued from page 2

Family Service of thePiedmont opened itsdoors on May 5th for a series of freeworkshops around thetheme EmpoweringWomen to Live Well.The event was a greatsuccess, focusing oncelebrating and educating women andtheir

families on how to live lives that arestrong, healthy and empowered.The workshop series was funded by a“Women to Women” grant fromThe Community Foundation ofGreater Greensboro.

About 75 adults participated in the informational sessions with professionals including an OB/GYN

Physician, a Judge, a Victim Advocate, and ConsumerCredit Counselors.   Therapists led workshops ontopics such as building self-esteem for teens, overcoming addictions, dealing with depression andanxiety, developing parenting skills,  resume writingand interviewing, how to “Dress for Success,” andcooking healthy on a budget.  Health screenings andfree massages also proved popular among the attendees.

While their parents attended the workshops, children’sactivities included decorating photo frames and

making nightlights fromglow sticks. Refreshmentswere provided by HarrisTeeter and Hunter DairyFarms, and door prizeswere given out throughoutthe afternoon. 

Family Service’s Directorof Counseling ServicesTheresa Johnson was

full of enthusiasm from the success of the evening.“We had people lining up at the doors an hour beforeit was to start,” she said. “A great time was had by allwho attended.”

The event was a cross-departmental effort whichwould not have been possible without the help of themany volunteers involved, includingFamily Service staffas well as partnersfrom The Women’sResource Center,Guilford CountyHealth Department,Social Work students from NCA&T, and PlanetFitness. “Thanksto everyone whoparticipated inthis wonderful community event!“ Johnson said.

them essential counseling and rehabilitationservices.” Many clients are also “dual diagnosis”– suffering from both mental health problemsand substance dependency – and representthe most underserved population in GuilfordCounty.

Harry started his healthcare career as a physicaltherapy technician. He soon discovered hislove for working with people. He enjoyed listening and had a knack for getting othersto open up to him. “Recognizing unspokenwords and good listening skills are keys tosuccess as a counselor,” He says.

Harry’s dedication to helping others drives hispassion to help substance abuse clients ontheir road to recovery. “The most rewardingpart of my job is seeing a person from activeaddiction, embracing the recovery concept,“he says. “To be able to give of myself andshow clients that they have choices and alternatives, to sustain a life different than the path they’re currently on, makes my jobworthwhile.”

Last year, Harry and his fellow SubstanceAbuse Counselors at Family Service of thePiedmont served 695 clients, including morethan 300 who were dual diagnosis. 60% ofclients were discharged free of substance use.So far this year, 686 clients have been served.

315 East Washington StreetGreensboro, NC 27401-2911

•1401 Long Street

High Point, NC 27262-2541•

902 Bonner Drive Jamestown, NC 27282-8948

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 545Greensboro, NC

VisionMission

Building Safe and Healthy Families

Family Service of the Piedmont empowers individuals and families to restore hope, achievestability and thrive through quality support services, advocacy and education.

www.safeandhealthyfamilies.com

Save the Date:

Jamestown Pig Pickin'with

Saturday, August 10th 20137:00-11:00 PM

Magnolia Farm, Jamestown

/JamestownPigPickin

www.safeandhealthyfamilies.com/pig-pickin